Adaptogens are an especially fast-growing subset of botanicals, with ashwagandha and holy basil among the stand-out ingredients. Grand View Research estimates that in the US, ashwagandha sales have shown annual growth of nearly 17% over recent years.2 Meanwhile, evidence is mounting of holy basil’s benefits when it comes to combating stress and poor sleep patterns.
In functional food and drink formulations, Mintel recommends incorporating botanicals, such as L-theanine, and adaptogens, such as holy basil or cordyceps, into healthy energy drinks that use caffeine. This is because these botanical ingredients can “optimise composure and clarity of mind and neutralise caffeine's adverse side effects while reducing caffeine stress and calming the nerves”, writes Michelle Teodoro, global food science analyst at Mintel, in a recent report.3
US-based nutrition consultant David Foreman sees a generational aspect to this increased need for mental health support. “Generation Z tend to show they have higher stress levels than other generations,” he says, “and they’re the most likely to use botanicals with a mental health benefit.”
However, botanicals appeal to all age groups. In the UK, H&B Kids launched cherry extract and ashwagandha gummies that are said to support relaxation and mental wellbeing, helping parents deal with bedtime. Suitable for kids aged three and above, the gummies are marketed to children.4
Generation Z tend to show they have higher stress levels than other generations, and they’re the most likely to use botanicals with a mental health benefit
Botanicals are also being increasingly explored for the healthy ageing category.
South Korean firm Amorepacific has gained a patent for a concentrated cognitive decline-battling blend containing green tea extracts gallocatechin gallate (GCG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).5
In its Patent Insights report, Mintel notes a patent by the Korea Food Research Institute for extract of Hydrangea serrata, which can aid muscle disorders – particularly ageing and obesity-related muscular atrophyand sarcopenia. Similarly, a patent by the Rural Development Administration in Korea describes oat leaf extract to be used to treat ageing and obesity-induced sarcopenia.6
Botanicals are benefiting from the renewed interest in immune health in the wake of Covid-19, says FMCG Gurus. “For instance, 46% of global consumers – 50% in Asia-Pacific, 46% in Europe – associate aloe vera with aiding the immune system,” says Hughes, adding that for elderberry, the figure is even higher: 54% globally, 58% in Asia-Pacific, and 50% in Europe.
This is confirmed by Mintel. “Covid-19 has renewed consumers’ attention to health, especially immune health, suggesting opportunities for botanicals with antiviral or anti-microbial properties, as well as those linked more generally to immunity,” says Schofield.
Research interest has recently been shown in bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) – a perennial plant from the Scrophulariaceae family, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine – with a particular emphasis on its potential cognitive health benefits among older consumers.7
Laila Nutraceuticals, for instance, has a granted patent on its combination of two traditional botanicals, B. monnieri and Terminalia chebula, which it says work synergistically as an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme inhibitor, for enhancing cognition or memory, or treating cognitive and memory disorders, especially in ageing.8
Interest in bacopa can also be seen in functional food and drink products. In the US, Creative Genius recently launched organic ground coffee that is infused with bacopa herb to promote healthy mental and cognitive function.
The infused coffee also contains ashwagandha to “help the body adapt to mental and physical stressors while promoting a sense of calm focus”, the brand says.9
One health area where the full impact of botanicals has not been felt, according to Foreman, is gut health. “Talk in this area tends to be about the microbiome, but there are also important issues such as combating stomach cramps or diarrhoea,” he states.
According to Foreman, an interesting botanical for gut health is camomile, which has “good science” behind its beneficial effects on irritable bowel problems. Lemon balm, ginger, peppermint extract, and slippery elm have also been traditionally used to aid digestion and gut discomfort.10
